Positive Integer Subtraction Sample Problems

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Here are some tips for Positive Integer Subtraction, which aligns with California state standards:

Positive Integer Subtraction

This topic covers the subtraction of positive numbers.
Understanding this topic will help you with the Integer Subtraction topic.

Example 1: Subtracing a larger value

5 - ⁺7 =

5 - ⁺7 = 5 - 7

= - (7 - 5)

Step 1. Subtract: larger - smaller
7 - 5 = 2
Step 2. Add negative sign to answer in Step 1
2 → -2
5 - ⁺7 =

Example 2: Subtracing from a negative

^-5 - ⁺7 =

^-5 - ⁺7 = - 5 - 7

= - (5 + 7)

Step 1. Add
5 + 7 = 12
Step 2. Add negative sign to answer in Step 1
12 → -12
^-5 - ⁺7 =

Example 3: Subtracting multiple positive numbers

3 - ⁺4 - ⁺1 - ⁺6 =

3 - ⁺4 - ⁺1 - ⁺6 = 3 - 4 - 1 - 6

= 3 - (4 + 1 + 6)

= 3 - 11

= - (11 - 3)

Follow the steps in Example 1:
Step 1. Subtract: larger - smaller
11 - 3 = 8
Step 2. Add negative sign to answer in Step 1
8 → -8
3 - ⁺4 - ⁺1 - ⁺6 =

3 - ⁺4 - ⁺1 - ⁺6	=	3 - 4 - 1 - 6
	=	3 - (4 + 1 + 6)
	=	3 - 11
	=	- (11 - 3)